This & That: Quakes notes for Dec. 3, 2012

Wondolowski Named Volkswagon MLS MVP
Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski was named the Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player for the 2012 season last week. Wondolowski is the first player in club history to win league MVP honors. In 2010, he was a finalist along with LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle and eventual MVP David Ferreira of FC Dallas. The only other players in club history to be named a finalist for the award were Jeff Agoos in 2003 and Dwayne De Rosario in 2005. Wondolowski’s 27 goals this season tied the League's all-time single-season record and won him a second Budweiser Golden Boot award. The plethora of goals helped the predatory striker set an MLS mark for game-winning goals with 11. He also became the only player in MLS history to score the most regular season goals in three consecutive seasons.

Frank Yallop Named MLS Coach of the Year
Frank Yallop was named 2012 MLS Coach of the Year last week after guiding the Earthquakes to a franchise best record of 19-6-9 and the club's second Supporters' Shield. The award is Yallop's second Coach of the Year honor after earning his first in his inaugural season with the Quakes in 2001 when he led the club to its first MLS Cup. Yallop orchestrated one of the best turnarounds in MLS history. The 2012 Quakes not only had the best record in MLS but also led the league in scoring with 72 goals, shattering the club's previous record of 55 set in 1997. The Quakes were the first team since the LA Galaxy and Miami Fusion in 2001 to average more than two goals per game.

Quakes Announce 2013 Preseason Schedule
The San Jose Earthquakes unveiled their 2013 preseason schedule today, a slate that includes trips to Tucson, Ariz., Oxnard, Calif. and Portland, Ore. for friendlies and the second-annual Timbers FC Preseason Tournament. Players will report to camp on Saturday, Jan. 19 with the club’s first practice to follow on Monday, Jan. 21. For more information on the preseason game schedule and the preseason travel schedule, visit www.sjearthquakes.com.

Quakes Decline Options for Corrales, Opara, Stephenson, Ward and Gjertsen
The Earthquakes have declined options on five players, including: defenders Ramiro Corrales, Ike Opara and Tim Ward and midfielders Joey Gjertsen and Khari Stephenson. Each player will be eligible for Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft on Friday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 14.

Earthquakes Front Office Joins Turning Wheels For Kids Big Bike Build
Members of the Earthquakes Front Office Staff are invited to help build bikes on Saturday, Dec. 8 with the organization, Turning Wheels For Kids. The event will be held in the South Hall of the San Jose Convention Center, located at 435 South Market Street, San Jose, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Earthquakes Partner with Downtown San Jose’s Christmas in the Park
The Earthquakes will once again partner with Downtown San Jose’s Christmas in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The club will feature an Earthquakes-themed tree in the park throughout the holiday season.

Earthquakes Partner with Santa Run Silicon Valley
As part of its support for Downtown San Jose, the Earthquakes have partnered with Santa Run Silicon Valley 2012. The 5K race/walk starts at Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16. Registration is open at www.santarunsv.com.

Wells Fargo Goals for Education
The Earthquakes raised a total of $18,500 through the Wells Fargo Goals for Education program thanks to the club’s 72 regular season strikes and two MLS Cup Playoff tallies. The club is now sifting through donation requests to determine which organizations will receive funds through the program. Thanks to 40 goals in 2011, the partnership raised $10,000 for local youth soccer and athletic development programs a year ago.